Financial Aid Changes in 2026-27
On July 4, 2025, HR 1 – Public Law No. 119–21, known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” was signed into law. This legislation introduces sweeping changes to how students and families pay for higher education. The provisions include the phase-out of the Grad PLUS Loan Program, new annual and lifetime loan limits, adjustments to federal grant and loan programs, and fewer repayment options for new borrowers.
The Department of Education has not yet issued the official regulations that will define how these changes will be implemented. However, the summary below provides an overview of what we currently know—and what is still unclear—about how this law may affect financial aid beginning in the 2026–27 academic year.
For now, please be aware that:
Financial aid for the 2025–26 academic year is not changing.
If you start a new graduate program before July 1, 2026, you remain eligible for Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans (GradPLUS) under current rules.
If you start a new graduate program after July 1, 2026, you will be able to apply for student loans through federal and private lending processes. °µÍøTV plans to launch a new homepage in May 2026 to highlight the process for students to identify loan options.
In this , SoFi breaks down exactly what is changing, who is impacted, and what these updates mean for graduate students and their families.
Other Important Information
SFS will award financial aid once students are accepted to their graduate program. Make sure you:
- Enroll in at least 3 credits (or half-time) each quarter toward a degree or eligible certificate (Principal Certificate, School Superintendent Certificate, or Program Administrator Certificate).
- Complete and submit the (FAFSA) each year.
Just like undergraduates, you may take advantage of scholarships and loans. A written financial aid offer for qualifying applicants will explain loan details and limits.
°µÍøTV does not have a deadline for graduate financial aid, though earlier is always better than later. The financial aid year runs summer through spring.
Here’s a complete summary of managing your financial aid, including how to understand your aid offer, revisions, enrollment changes, verification, employer reimbursement, graduate eligibility, credit requirements, state requirements, and a handy glossary of terms.
Take a look at the Graduate Student Financial Aid Orientation for more information.
You’ll find the final word in °µÍøTV’s , which details everything from tuition, fees, and satisfactory progress to payment policies and schedules.